Country music star Justin Moore to perform at 2012 Cattlemen’s Ball

Major fundraising event to fight cancer scheduled for June 1-2 in McCool Junction

McCool Junction, Neb. – Country music star Justin Moore – known for top 10 singles “Small Town USA,” “If Heaven Wasn’t so Far Away” and “Backwoods” – will headline the entertainment at the 2012 Cattlemen’s Ball on Saturday, June 2.

The event will be held at the Stone Creek Event Center and will be hosted by the Allen and Shelly Clark family of McCool Junction.

Raised in Poyen, Ark. (population 272), Moore is a perfect fit for the Cattlemen’s Ball in McCool Junction (population 385).

In music and life, Moore embodies the soul and character of someone who grew up in a small town. The lyrics from Moore’s self-penned song, “Heaven Ain’t That Far Away,” typify his philosophy on life:

“It’s a dirt road, a fishin’ pole, a cold beer sittin’ on a tailgate. It’s an old church, a kind word. It’s where I was born and raised. Heaven ain’t that far away.”

Moore’s performance is just one of the many highlights of the 2012 Cattlemen’s Ball. Other activities include a prime rib dinner, art show, wine tasting, fashion show, silent auction, Barney Fife impersonator Rix Roberts, comic and magician Gayle Becwar, and a dance following the Moore concert featuring regional favorites, The Innocence.

A $75 Top Hand ticket provides admission to the event beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday and includes the dinner, dance and Moore concert. Trail Boss tickets, which can be purchased for $350, include a Friday social, private champagne reception and brunch on Saturday, commemorative gift, plus preferred seating for the Saturday evening dinner and concert.

Tickets can be purchased online atwww.cattlemensball.com or by calling Cornerstone Bank, 402-724-2121.

“We are so pleased to host this annual event. It goes to a wonderful cause and there is something for everyone,” said hostess Shelly Clark, who suggested that tickets make a great holiday gift for every member of the family. “We can’t wait for everyone to come to McCool Junction in June.”

The Cattlemen’s Ball is hosted by a different Nebraska ranch or feedlot every year. Its mission is to raise money for cancer research at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, while showcasing rural Nebraska and promoting beef as part of a healthy diet.

Since its inception, the Cattlemen’s Ball has raised more than $6.29 million. In addition to providing funds to the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, a portion of the funds also is given to local health care organizations.

For a complete list of volunteer and donation opportunities, including how to make an online contribution, visit www.cattlemensball.com or email cattlemensball12@yahoo.com.

Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.

The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center — a distinction held by only 66 centers in the country and the only NCI-designated center in Nebraska. The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center also is one of the founding members of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the world’s leading cancer centers. This recognition means the most current and innovative treatment options are available to cancer center patients through the integration of cutting-edge research into state-of-the-art care. Cancer center physicians and scientists work together to quickly translate discoveries made in the laboratory into innovative treatments for the patient.